Hemp companies have developed innovative ways to turn surplus CBD into other cannabinoids, from naturally occurring compounds like delta-8 to synthetic substances like THC-O. But whether the cannabinoid can be found in trace amounts or has been created in a lab, they all originate from the same source — CBG.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is often called the “stem cell” of the cannabis plant. Israeli researchers Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam, the “Father of Cannabis Research,” discovered CBG in 1964.

Like cannabidiol (CBD), CBG is non-intoxicating and helps balance the body by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and boosting natural endocannabinoid levels.

CBG’s Therapeutic Benefits

Although more study is needed, cannabigerol has shown therapeutic potential for a number of conditions, including:

• Glaucoma: CBG may be a non-psychoactive alternative to THC for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
• IBS: Preliminary research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biochemical Pharmacology, concluded that CBG might have a beneficiary effect on inflammatory bowel disease.
• Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis: CBG’s neuroprotective qualities may play a future role in treating neurodegenerative diseases. The combination of CBD and CBG may be especially effective for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Mood Disorders: Like most cannabinoids, CBG boosts levels of an endocannabinoid called anandamide, the “bliss molecule” that promotes natural mood elevation.
• Autism and ADD/ADHD: CBG may reduce anxiety, increase concentration, and help people on the autism spectrum have better social interactions and communication. Autism and ADD/ADHD are also listed among the conditions that may be related to Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD).
• Bone Diseases and Injuries: Preliminary studies have concluded that both CBD and CBG promote healthy bones by stimulating bone growth and may slow the effects of age-related bone disorders like osteoporosis.
• Cancer: CBG has been shown to encourage apoptosis of cancer cells, especially in cases of breast cancer, brain tumors, and colorectal cancer.
• Bacterial Infections: CBG may be helpful in the fight against methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) and other superbugs. The cannabinoid also slows the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans, a pathogen associated with tooth decay.
• Nausea and Wasting Syndrome: Like most cannabinoids, CBG helps reduce nausea and vomiting. The cannabinoid also stimulates appetite, which can help with the cachexia associated with eating disorders, chemotherapy, and AIDS.
• Crohn’s Disease: CBG’s anti-inflammatory qualities may help reduce the diarrhea, bleeding, and nutritional deficiencies that accompany Crohn’s Disease.
• Chronic Pain: CBG could possibly be a more potent anti-inflammatory than CBD. Furthermore, a 2021 study published in the medical journal Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics concluded that the two cannabinoids might be even more effective anti-inflammatories when consumed together.
• Bladder Disorders: A study conducted at the University of Naples found that CBG reduced spasms related to acetylcholine-induced bladder disorders.
• Skin Conditions: CBG’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help promote healthy skin and may help manage conditions like acne.

CBG also tends to be less sedating than CBD, and many people choose to take CBG in the morning and CBD before bedtime.

Please note that I am not a medical doctor, and research into CBG remains in the early stages. Cannabinoids like CBD aren’t suitable for people with certain conditions and may interact with some prescription drugs. I recommend that you speak with a qualified and trusted medical professional before adding CBG to your daily routine.

Sources of CBG

CBG is found in higher amounts in hemp flower strains than in high-THC cannabis varieties. Most cannabis strains contain less than 1% CBG, which has made researchers consider the compound a minor cannabinoid.

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is quickly converted into THC, CBD, and cannabichromene (CBC) by specific enzymes. Little CBGA is left over to convert into CBG when smoked or decarbed for edibles.

In the past, CBG has been so expensive to extract that it earned the nickname, the “Rolls Royce of Cannabinoids.” CBG products used to cost up to five times the price of equivalent supplements containing CBD.

Fortunately, today’s growers have figured out how to coax hemp flowers to produce more CBG and developed harvesting methods that yield high-CBG hemp flowers. Getting CBG from the whole plant is way more economical for the consumer.

Check out Shelby McDaniel’s article in Cannabis Explorations for more information about CBG hemp flower strains.

Written by Cat Winske

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash